M340i vs S4

amrh · 09-26-2019, 12:44 PM

I realize that I'm likely to receive some biased answers here. I'm a bit of a BMW fanboy, myself. Currently, I drive a 2016 F80. My F80 is my 10th BMW. The only other type of car I've owned is VW. I love both.

Anyway, I'll be trading in the M3 for one of these. I drove the M340i (not xdrive) yesterday, and it was really nice. I thought it was a done deal, for me. Good power, good handling, comfortable, quiet...all the things I want in my next car. The dealership gave me some good numbers on it, too.

Today, I drove a S4 - just to be sure I cover my bases. I really liked it! Same good attributes as the M340i, in that it has good power, good handling, comfortable and quiet.

I feel that the S4 was lighter on it's feet, if that makes sense. The BMW felt a little heavier, but not in a bad way - just heavier. The S4 felt more nimble, for some reason. Granted, my test drives were different. My test drive for the S4 had more back roads, so maybe I should test drive the M340i on back roads, for a proper comparison. I did not expect to like the S4 as much as I did, and have it make me second-guess the M340i.

I will be leasing one of these... both are the same monthly lease amount. Both have matched the trade-in on my car. I know the S4 is a 2019 with the M340i being a 2020. But, honestly, the S4 doesn't feel "older" in comparison.

I'm wondering if anyone here has crossed shopped these two. Assuming you got the M340i, since you're on here - why did you choose it over the S4? Other thoughts?

Thanks!

alex2364 · 09-26-2019, 02:05 PM

I haven't compared the two, but 2020 S4 is a refreshed model. Not sure if you care about driving a new car with a refresh coming out very soon.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a2...d-photos-info/

NYC_340i · 09-26-2019, 02:07 PM

I too came to BMW from a VW. The S4 is a really nice but I ended up with the M340i.

Couple of reasons:

- I like BMW as a brand more than Audi. I feel BMW is more engaging with their customers and is more performance orientated with drive events and all that.

- Not sure if this is still the case but I believe the quattro system on the S4 is FWD bias with only the RS models getting a RWD bias system. I feel this makes a huge difference in driving dynamics.

- 2 years ago with the S4 vs F30 I'd say the Audi had an advantage with technology but I feel the 2020 M340i depending on how it's spec'd is much more advanced than a S4.

- Back to the sportiness, the M340i looks much more sportier on the exterior and interior compared to the S4. I love how sharp the S4 looks but the M340i stands out more imo.

Overall though I don't think you can go wrong with either car. The Mercedes C43 is nice too if only it didn't lease for so much more but S4 vs M340i I'd chose the BMW.

EXE46 · 09-26-2019, 02:15 PM

The bimmer is superior in driving dynamics and performance to the S4 and S5. Every thing else is a matter of personal taste so it depends on what attribute is most important for your car to have.

amrh · 09-26-2019, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYC_340i

I too came to BMW from a VW. The S4 is a really nice but I ended up with the M340i.

Couple of reasons:

- I like BMW as a brand more than Audi. I feel BMW is more engaging with their customers and is more performance orientated with drive events and all that.

- Not sure if this is still the case but I believe the quattro system on the S4 is FWD bias with only the RS models getting a RWD bias system. I feel this makes a huge difference in driving dynamics.

- 2 years ago with the S4 vs F30 I'd say the Audi had an advantage with technology but I feel the 2020 M340i depending on how it's spec'd is much more advanced than a S4.

- Back to the sportiness, the M340i looks much more sportier on the exterior and interior compared to the S4. I love how sharp the S4 looks but the M340i stands out more imo.

Overall though I don't think you can go wrong with either car. The Mercedes C43 is nice too if only it didn't lease for so much more but S4 vs M340i I'd chose the BMW.

All great points - BMW is very engaging with its customers, and sportier-natured. The M340i definitely seemed more advanced, but I know Audi does a good job at that, as well.

I think they both look really nice, but the M340i does look more aggressive. Personally, I don't like the Mercedes C-Class styling - I'm not a fan of the sloped rear. Except for the CC - which I loved! So, never considered a C43, although they're good cars, as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXE46

The bimmer is superior in driving dynamics and performance to the S4 and S5. Every thing else is a matter of personal taste so it depends on what attribute is most important for your car to have.

Agreed. I think I need to drive the M340i on back roads, rather than a major street and highway.

I went back to the dealerships, with my wife, to show her the two cars. She loved the M340i - felt the front looked much more aggressive and she loves the grill! She liked the S4, but felt it was not as "exciting" to look at. I agree. So, I'll stick with the M340i.

Thanks

EXE46 · 09-26-2019, 02:53 PM

Make sure you negotiate a good deal before signing. Killer deals to be had this month on these cars. Ensure you get the staggered wheels the non staggered looks terrible and loses traction easily. Ask me how I know.

tturedraider · 09-26-2019, 04:26 PM

Glad to hear the M340i won.

I haven’t driven an A4/S4 in quite a while, but it’s interesting that you felt like it might be “lighter on its feet”. Generally, the A4 has a tendency to understeer and plow forward, because the motor is mounted in front of the front axle, so more weight is over the axle. At its core design the A4 is a FWD car. Maybe the M340i felt “heavier” because its weight is further back in the chassis.

stein_325i · 09-26-2019, 05:40 PM

Hopefully Audi can fix their laggy transmissions in the new S4/5, that was the biggest problem I experienced while driving, that and it just wasn't as good as the previous B8.5 S4/5.

amrh · 09-26-2019, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXE46

Make sure you negotiate a good deal before signing. Killer deals to be had this month on these cars. Ensure you get the staggered wheels the non staggered looks terrible and loses traction easily. Ask me how I know.

So, I told the Audi dealership that I've decided to go with the M340i. They responded by reducing the price by $1,000, effectively bringing the lease payment down by $25. This brings the S4 lease to $40 less, per month. On a monthly basis, it's not much. But, over 3 years, it adds up.

The M340i has a MSRP of $61,515. They reduced it by $9,100...$6,100 off MSRP plus $3,000 incentive. I'm going to try to bring them down, more.

The S4 has a MSRP of $60,500.

Patgilm · 09-26-2019, 11:09 PM

I cross shopped both as well as the C43. My wife didn’t like anything about the S4 and thought it looked like a boring sedan. I tend to agree but I loved the interior and the massaging seats with diamond stitching. Also the virtual cockpit to me is way better than the M340. With all that being said, for the overall package, to me the M340 was just better. Better driving, looks more aggressive and was nicely updated from its predecessor.

Mavus · 09-26-2019, 11:41 PM

compring I6 rwd chassis vs that other thing ... seriously

did you open the hood?

did your test drive them in school zone only?

kinda strange question from an experienced bmw owner ... not being rude but it seems you don't appreciate the machine itself and engineering

geddylee · 09-27-2019, 12:37 AM

I just drove the S4. Wanted to like it but I hated it. The motor has no character what so ever, reminds me of a vacuum cleaner compared to the B58. Also I can confirm that Audi has the worst calibration of the ZF 8 speed than any manufacture I've driven. They can screw up a wet dream apparently. Also the steering on the S4 was so light even in dynamic I felt like I had no real control over the vehicle.

The interior is nicely screwed together and the seats are nice. Virtual cockpit is miles ahead of live cockpit. MMI is miles away from idrive though.

I'd take my F30 over it and it's one of the worst BMW's ever made.

Antec800 · 09-27-2019, 12:43 AM

Also just got my m340 and even if the s4 leased the same as the 340 I still would of gotten the the 340, they both drive great but the 340 is faster, looks better and the newer interior blows Audi’s old looking interior away, now the new a6 interior is another level.

Sedan_Clan · 09-27-2019, 01:12 AM

Not a bad way to do your due diligence, but keep in mind that you are on a BMW forum. There will be bias associated with most of the responses/opinions/suggestions you're offered here. Follow what suits you best and what you enjoy the most rather than coming to strangers to make that decision for you. I don't mean that to come across abrasive by any means, but only you can make this decision. It's like asking a bunch of random dudes to choose which pretty female you should date. At the end of the day you need to follow your own intuition. Good luck with whichever car you choose. Both are good options.

tgrundke · 09-27-2019, 06:02 AM

Long time Audi/VW partisan here. I have tried, on three occasions, (B8, B8.5, and B9) to convince myself to purchase an S4. It's the car I want to make myself want....but then after driving it, never do.

Having driven the current S4 and the M340i very recently I will say that without a doubt, the M340i is the better car....by a significant country mile.

Audi has become too sterile, not that their cars were ever the paragon of 'excitement', but the current generation cars, while excellent overall, have very little in terms of playfulness or fun. Solid, competent, good car for sure, but not engaging.

stein_325i · 09-27-2019, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Not a bad way to do your due diligence, but keep in mind that you are on a BMW forum. There will be bias associated with most of the responses/opinions/suggestions you're offered here. Follow what suits you best and what you enjoy the most rather than coming to strangers to make that decision for you. I don't mean that to come across abrasive by any means, but only you can make this decision. It's like asking a bunch of random dudes to choose which pretty female you should date. At the end of the day you need to follow your own intuition. Good luck with whichever car you choose. Both are good options.

100% this. I always say ask both forums but at the end of the day its your preference and opinion that matters. BMW forums will bias towards the BMW, Audi will bias Audi, and Merc for Merc, etc. Both are great cars, hopefully you find what you're looking for!

Transfer · 09-27-2019, 08:06 AM

Don't chose your car based on $40/mo difference. $100/mo ok but not 40. Get the car you want first, whichever that may be.

DBLDNon11 · 09-27-2019, 11:38 AM

Slightly off topic, but when I see the words 'trade in and 'lease' in the same discussion, I tend to wince. Pro tip: Separate these transactions. For the M3, have the dealer BUY it from you at a negotiated price and write you a check. For the M340i, do not use any of that money as a 'cap cost reduction'. If you are counting on the proceeds of the M3 to subsidize your M340i lease, then put the cash in a savings account and draw from it. It will make things much easier and the two transactions much more transparent.

themur · 09-27-2019, 12:38 PM

I had an S5 SB so similar enough to the S4. I switched to the M340i because I felt a lot more connected to the car. I'll admit my S5 had superior tech, mainly the virtual cockpit but as far as performance goes driving the M340i just feels so much better.

SteveinArizona · 09-27-2019, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amrh

So, I told the Audi dealership that I've decided to go with the M340i. They responded by reducing the price by $1,000, effectively bringing the lease payment down by $25. This brings the S4 lease to $40 less, per month. On a monthly basis, it's not much. But, over 3 years, it adds up.

The M340i has a MSRP of $61,515. They reduced it by $9,100...$6,100 off MSRP plus $3,000 incentive. I'm going to try to bring them down, more.

The S4 has a MSRP of $60,500.

my time is too valuable to me for me to engage in this type of back and forth with car dealerships. I ask for best and final and if I go elsewhere because the "best and final" wasn't good enough, I won't look at a new price from the same dealership.

The price difference does add up BUT does the Audi come with three years of maintenance?

Young04 · 09-27-2019, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgrundke

Long time Audi/VW partisan here. I have tried, on three occasions, (B8, B8.5, and B9) to convince myself to purchase an S4. It's the car I want to make myself want....but then after driving it, never do.

Having driven the current S4 and the M340i very recently I will say that without a doubt, the M340i is the better car....by a significant country mile.

Audi has become too sterile, not that their cars were ever the paragon of 'excitement', but the current generation cars, while excellent overall, have very little in terms of playfulness or fun. Solid, competent, good car for sure, but not engaging.

I too am a long-time Audi driver and I likewise think that the m340i is the better choice over the S4. Next class up (A6 v. 5-series), I would pick the A6 all day long, however.

amrh · 09-27-2019, 02:38 PM

I've decided on getting the M340i. It is the one I truly want, and I can't veer away from BMW!

I posed the question to see if others had compared the two, and their thoughts. Of course I expected a few biased responses, and maybe, in a way, I wanted to see the negatives of the S4 to make my decision easier.

I've only been dealing with two dealerships - BMW and Audi. Unfortunately, in my city, we don't have the luxury of having multiple dealerships for one brand. I'm surprised that my BMW dealership took off about 10%, from MSRP, plus incentives. They are hurting for sales this month!

09-26-2019, 12:44 PM	#1
amrh Lieutenant 297 Rep 429 Posts Drives: 2023 M3Cx Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Frederick, MD iTrader: (2)	M340i vs S4 I realize that I'm likely to receive some biased answers here. I'm a bit of a BMW fanboy, myself. Currently, I drive a 2016 F80. My F80 is my 10th BMW. The only other type of car I've owned is VW. I love both. Anyway, I'll be trading in the M3 for one of these. I drove the M340i (not xdrive) yesterday, and it was really nice. I thought it was a done deal, for me. Good power, good handling, comfortable, quiet...all the things I want in my next car. The dealership gave me some good numbers on it, too. Today, I drove a S4 - just to be sure I cover my bases. I really liked it! Same good attributes as the M340i, in that it has good power, good handling, comfortable and quiet. I feel that the S4 was lighter on it's feet, if that makes sense. The BMW felt a little heavier, but not in a bad way - just heavier. The S4 felt more nimble, for some reason. Granted, my test drives were different. My test drive for the S4 had more back roads, so maybe I should test drive the M340i on back roads, for a proper comparison. I did not expect to like the S4 as much as I did, and have it make me second-guess the M340i. I will be leasing one of these... both are the same monthly lease amount. Both have matched the trade-in on my car. I know the S4 is a 2019 with the M340i being a 2020. But, honestly, the S4 doesn't feel "older" in comparison. I'm wondering if anyone here has crossed shopped these two. Assuming you got the M340i, since you're on here - why did you choose it over the S4? Other thoughts? Thanks! Last edited by amrh; 09-26-2019 at 12:49 PM..
	Appreciate 1 Sedan_Clan25085.00 Tweet Quote

09-26-2019, 02:05 PM	#2
alex2364 Colonel 2865 Rep 2,756 Posts Drives: 2020 M4 ZCP / 2023 X3 M40i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 [10.00] 2023 BMW X3 M40i [10.00]	I haven't compared the two, but 2020 S4 is a refreshed model. Not sure if you care about driving a new car with a refresh coming out very soon. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a2...d-photos-info/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-26-2019, 02:07 PM	#3
NYC_340i Lieutenant 208 Rep 547 Posts Drives: '20 M340i xDrive, '11 X3 28i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I too came to BMW from a VW. The S4 is a really nice but I ended up with the M340i. Couple of reasons: - I like BMW as a brand more than Audi. I feel BMW is more engaging with their customers and is more performance orientated with drive events and all that. - Not sure if this is still the case but I believe the quattro system on the S4 is FWD bias with only the RS models getting a RWD bias system. I feel this makes a huge difference in driving dynamics. - 2 years ago with the S4 vs F30 I'd say the Audi had an advantage with technology but I feel the 2020 M340i depending on how it's spec'd is much more advanced than a S4. - Back to the sportiness, the M340i looks much more sportier on the exterior and interior compared to the S4. I love how sharp the S4 looks but the M340i stands out more imo. Overall though I don't think you can go wrong with either car. The Mercedes C43 is nice too if only it didn't lease for so much more but S4 vs M340i I'd chose the BMW. __________________ Current: 2020 M340xi Previous: 2016 340xi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-26-2019, 02:15 PM	#4
EXE46 Lieutenant Colonel 2100 Rep 1,532 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i RWD Aka New E39 M5 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: State of Dystopia iTrader: (0)	The bimmer is superior in driving dynamics and performance to the S4 and S5. Every thing else is a matter of personal taste so it depends on what attribute is most important for your car to have.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-26-2019, 02:53 PM	#6
EXE46 Lieutenant Colonel 2100 Rep 1,532 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i RWD Aka New E39 M5 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: State of Dystopia iTrader: (0)	Make sure you negotiate a good deal before signing. Killer deals to be had this month on these cars. Ensure you get the staggered wheels the non staggered looks terrible and loses traction easily. Ask me how I know.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-26-2019, 04:26 PM	#7
tturedraider Major General 4975 Rep 6,238 Posts Drives: 2018 340i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [9.38] 2020 BMW M340i xDrive [10.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.00] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [4.50] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.25] 2000 BMW 328i [6.00]	Glad to hear the M340i won. I haven’t driven an A4/S4 in quite a while, but it’s interesting that you felt like it might be “lighter on its feet”. Generally, the A4 has a tendency to understeer and plow forward, because the motor is mounted in front of the front axle, so more weight is over the axle. At its core design the A4 is a FWD car. Maybe the M340i felt “heavier” because its weight is further back in the chassis. __________________ www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-26-2019, 05:40 PM	#8
stein_325i Ring Leader of G8X Haters 25083 Rep 8,762 Posts Drives: A Car Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: All-Around iTrader: (0)	Hopefully Audi can fix their laggy transmissions in the new S4/5, that was the biggest problem I experienced while driving, that and it just wasn't as good as the previous B8.5 S4/5. __________________ Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
	Appreciate 1 drexplode1781.50 Quote

09-26-2019, 11:09 PM	#10
Patgilm First Lieutenant 181 Rep 355 Posts Drives: GT-R, X7 M50i, M340 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Crofton, MD iTrader: (0)	I cross shopped both as well as the C43. My wife didn’t like anything about the S4 and thought it looked like a boring sedan. I tend to agree but I loved the interior and the massaging seats with diamond stitching. Also the virtual cockpit to me is way better than the M340. With all that being said, for the overall package, to me the M340 was just better. Better driving, looks more aggressive and was nicely updated from its predecessor.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-26-2019, 11:41 PM	#11
Mavus Colonel 2030 Rep 2,672 Posts Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (9)	compring I6 rwd chassis vs that other thing ... seriously did you open the hood? did your test drive them in school zone only? kinda strange question from an experienced bmw owner ... not being rude but it seems you don't appreciate the machine itself and engineering
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-27-2019, 12:37 AM	#12
geddylee Second Lieutenant 176 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2021 X7, 2019 X5 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I just drove the S4. Wanted to like it but I hated it. The motor has no character what so ever, reminds me of a vacuum cleaner compared to the B58. Also I can confirm that Audi has the worst calibration of the ZF 8 speed than any manufacture I've driven. They can screw up a wet dream apparently. Also the steering on the S4 was so light even in dynamic I felt like I had no real control over the vehicle. The interior is nicely screwed together and the seats are nice. Virtual cockpit is miles ahead of live cockpit. MMI is miles away from idrive though. I'd take my F30 over it and it's one of the worst BMW's ever made.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-27-2019, 12:43 AM	#13
Antec800 Lieutenant 128 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 340i x drive Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Also just got my m340 and even if the s4 leased the same as the 340 I still would of gotten the the 340, they both drive great but the 340 is faster, looks better and the newer interior blows Audi’s old looking interior away, now the new a6 interior is another level.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-27-2019, 01:12 AM	#14
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 25085 Rep 22,282 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	Not a bad way to do your due diligence, but keep in mind that you are on a BMW forum. There will be bias associated with most of the responses/opinions/suggestions you're offered here. Follow what suits you best and what you enjoy the most rather than coming to strangers to make that decision for you. I don't mean that to come across abrasive by any means, but only you can make this decision. It's like asking a bunch of random dudes to choose which pretty female you should date. At the end of the day you need to follow your own intuition. Good luck with whichever car you choose. Both are good options.
	Appreciate 1 stein_325i25083.00 Quote

09-27-2019, 06:02 AM	#15
tgrundke Private First Class 314 Rep 145 Posts Drives: '23 M340xi; '16 GTI Autobahn Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 M340 [10.00]	Long time Audi/VW partisan here. I have tried, on three occasions, (B8, B8.5, and B9) to convince myself to purchase an S4. It's the car I want to make myself want....but then after driving it, never do. Having driven the current S4 and the M340i very recently I will say that without a doubt, the M340i is the better car....by a significant country mile. Audi has become too sterile, not that their cars were ever the paragon of 'excitement', but the current generation cars, while excellent overall, have very little in terms of playfulness or fun. Solid, competent, good car for sure, but not engaging.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-27-2019, 08:06 AM	#17
Transfer Major General 5254 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	Don't chose your car based on $40/mo difference. $100/mo ok but not 40. Get the car you want first, whichever that may be.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-27-2019, 11:38 AM	#18
DBLDNon11 Private First Class 63 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Slightly off topic, but when I see the words 'trade in and 'lease' in the same discussion, I tend to wince. Pro tip: Separate these transactions. For the M3, have the dealer BUY it from you at a negotiated price and write you a check. For the M340i, do not use any of that money as a 'cap cost reduction'. If you are counting on the proceeds of the M3 to subsidize your M340i lease, then put the cash in a savings account and draw from it. It will make things much easier and the two transactions much more transparent.
	Appreciate 1 Mbbrewer150.00 Quote

09-27-2019, 12:38 PM	#19
themur Private First Class 67 Rep 117 Posts Drives: BMW M340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00]	I had an S5 SB so similar enough to the S4. I switched to the M340i because I felt a lot more connected to the car. I'll admit my S5 had superior tech, mainly the virtual cockpit but as far as performance goes driving the M340i just feels so much better.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-27-2019, 02:38 PM	#22
amrh Lieutenant 297 Rep 429 Posts Drives: 2023 M3Cx Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Frederick, MD iTrader: (2)	I've decided on getting the M340i. It is the one I truly want, and I can't veer away from BMW! I posed the question to see if others had compared the two, and their thoughts. Of course I expected a few biased responses, and maybe, in a way, I wanted to see the negatives of the S4 to make my decision easier. I've only been dealing with two dealerships - BMW and Audi. Unfortunately, in my city, we don't have the luxury of having multiple dealerships for one brand. I'm surprised that my BMW dealership took off about 10%, from MSRP, plus incentives. They are hurting for sales this month!
	Appreciate 0 Quote